The very definition of frustration: You and your significant other or roommate arrive home after work and discover you each remembered to stop for milk—but neither of you bought cat food. ZipList puts an end to uncoordinated shopping trips.

UPDATE:Actually, the iPhone app is in the works and will be released "in the coming weeks."

This free web-based service lets multiple people access a shopping list so you don't end up with four heads of lettuce and no toilet paper. Family members can add items to the list and check off things they've bought to avoid duplication. You can even assign importance to an item so if you have a limited amount of time or cash in your pocket when you're at the store, you can grab only the important stuff and be on your way.

One of the slickest things about this service is how many ways there are to add or remove groceries to a list—email, SMS, IM, right at the site, take your pick. There's even an app for the iPhone and iPod touch that replicates most of the features found on the website.

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ZipList has a bulging database of stores sorted by location that you can add to your profile. Tell ZipList which store you want to buy your groceries from and it will sort the list according to that store's layout. Then you can sort your grocery list by aisle or store to get your shopping done fast.

Of course, you can't make a grocery list if you don't know what you're planning to eat, so consult ZipList's recipe database for ideas. It's got more than 300,000 recipes from MarthaStewart.com and Everyday Food and when you find something you like, one click adds the entire ingredient list to your shopping list.

Got a favorite meal planning and shopping tool that makes your life easier? Let us know in the comments.